This week 13 years ago, the Lakers announced the retirement of Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Jerry West and named Mitch Kupchak to succeed West in that position. While Lakers fans aren't always on Kupchak's side, it's hard to argue with his overall results since taking the reins in 2000. Under Kupchak's watch, the purple and gold have won four NBA titles (2001, 2002, 2009, 2010). However, he'll have his work cut out for him going forward as the Lakers must perform well enough this season and get creative financially in order to be in the mix for the elite free agents in 2014.
Got a fantastic basketball blog piece that you want featured on Hoops Rumors? Send your submissions to HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here's this week's look around the web..
- Rufus On Fire plays commissioner for a day.
- NBA Couchside uses advanced stats to forecast what's ahead for OKC.
- The Basketball Post breaks down the Blazers' signing of Mo Williams.
- Red94 compares James Harden and Dwight Howard to another standout Houston duo.
- Hardwood Paroxysm says it's time for Gordon Hayward to shine.
- The Brooklyn Game predicts what the upcoming season will hold for the new-look Nets.
- Pounding The Rock asks if the big three struggled as much as it seems.
- Blog A Bull breaks down Chicago's 2013/14 schedule.
- Bright Side Of The Sun wonders if Caron Butler is here to stay.
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